Sanctuary Foundation Advent Devotional Day 14
When my children were very young, we took them to see Father Christmas at Harrods. Despite arriving the exact minute that the store opened, the queue was two hours long. “Have patience”, I told my children over and over as we waited for what seemed to them like forever. Finally, it was our turn and Father Christmas asked each of my children what presents they were hoping for on Christmas morning. One wanted a spy book. One wanted a doll. Luke, aged 4, thought for a moment and said with a sigh “patience”.
Luke inspired me to ask Father Christmas for something too. After two hours queuing with hundreds of fidgety children who had been given whistles made out of sugar to keep them happy during the long wait, what I really wanted was “peace”.
Peace is exactly what the angels who met the shepherds on the hillside promised as they sang:
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.”
2000 years later and the world is still ravaged by war, famine and terror that causes families to flee as refugees to safety. We must cling on to the angels’ promise of peace more than ever, and, like my son, ask for patience.
Thank you
Krish Kandiah
Director, Sanctuary Foundation
Thank you for joining us on this Season of Sanctuary Advent Journey looking at the themes of welcome and hospitality that lie at the heart of the Christmas story. As you prepare your hearts and homes for Christmas, please consider opening doors of hope for those around you. For more inspiration and information please visit www.sanctuaryfoundation.org.uk